Vehicles for Change: Elizabeth Jennings and The Fight for Equality on NYC’s Streetcars

How do we change unjust systems? Students will learn about Elizabeth Jennings and her fight for equal access on public transportation in New York City in the mid-1800s. Students will explore museum artifacts, analyze historic documents and examine the museum’s 1885 streetcar to understand the importance of transportation within communities and the role it has played in social justice movements. 

To supplement this program, the museum will provide a classroom copy of one of the following books for a pre-visit study:

  • Grades 4-6 Lizzie Demands a Seat!: Elizabeth Jennings Fights for Streetcar Rights by Beth Anderson. 
  • Grades 7-8 Streetcar to Justice: How Elizabeth Jennings Won the Right to Ride in New York by Amy Hill Hearth.

Virtual Program Information

  • One 45-minute virtual visit; Curriculum & materials for two teacher led modules 
  • Pricing is per program, per class: 
    • Up to 25 students per program $175 
  • Fees will be discounted for bookings of more than 5 classes

In-Person Program Information

  • One 2.5 hour in-person visit; Curriculum & materials for one teacher led module 
  • Pricing is per program, per class: 
    • Up to 25 students per program $175 
  • Fees will be discounted for bookings of more than 5 classes

Wagons West

Experience the hopes and fears of a 19th century family preparing to leave their farm to travel to a new life in Oregon. Students will learn about overland travel on the perilous journey, as well as the importance of proper packing. They will explore our emigrant wagon outfitted as a “prairie schooner,” including its impressive wagon wheels. Students will also gain a better understanding of the motivations for taking the Oregon Trail.

Virtual Program Information

  • One 45-minute virtual visit; Curriculum & materials for two teacher led modules 
  • Pricing is per program, per class: 
    • Up to 25 students per program $175

In-Person Program Information

  • One 2.5 hour in-person visit; Curriculum & materials for one teacher led module 
  • Pricing is per program, per class: 
    • Up to 25 students per program $175